Mariana Parodi McCormick is a recognized authority on Washington D.C.-area schools and a

leading advocate as well as guide for children and families navigating the region’s diverse education

system. Her emphasis on the "whole child" and commitment to serving all students with diverse

and individualized needs in both public and private schools truly sets P.E.C. apart from traditional

consulting firms.

 

Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Bethesda, MD, Mariana has over twenty years of experience

in the field of education. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Georgetown University and a Master’s

in Education from Nova Southeastern in conjunction with the American University of Paris.  She

earned the prestigious Certificate in Educational Leadership for Independent Schools from Johns

Hopkins University while teaching at the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda.

 

As an educator, Mariana has taught in public, private, and Independent schools in California, France, Texas, and the Washington, D.C. area, in all grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten through Middle School.  A teacher and leader in education, Mariana served as a guide for school placement, as Admissions Representative, Advancement and Development Coordinator, Technology Specialist, Social Studies Coordinator, and Responsive Classroom leader, in addition to serving as a mentor teacher for the American University School of Education.  In 2013, she was a finalist for the Gilder Lehrman Institute History Teacher of the Year Award and, in 2014, her work on unrecognized and under-represented change-makers in American history was highlighted and published by Heinemann Press. 

 

Her commitment to excellence and passion for serving children and families are well known in the Washington region, as is her ability to truly know the whole child, a critical piece of the school selection and advocacy process. A mother of three children, Mariana has first-hand experience with the school placement process, and understands the importance of finding a school where a child will thrive, be challenged, valued, and known.  Mariana meets regularly with the leaders and teachers of local schools to understand their institutions’ educational priorities, strengths, and culture.  She shares this insight with her clients to equip them with the best information available to make their selections for applications. 

 

In addition to working with families, Mariana is Program Director, Teen Board Facilitator, and Advanced Group Facilitator for GirlsUP, a unique program and a partner of the United Nations Campaign for Girls, aimed at developing character, confidence, and self-knowledge in fifth through twelfth grade girls.